Exchange in Iceland: University of Iceland, Reykjavik

Europe

Exchange

University Study

Study at the University of Iceland, a public research university in Reykjavik, and the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education.

Apply to Program

Program Details

Location

Reykjavik, Iceland

Term

Academic Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Housing

Dormitory

Languages Taught In

English

Program Eligibility

Student Type

UofM Students

Student Year

Juniors

Seniors

GPA

3.0

About

The Scholarship Exchange in Iceland program provides a near-full scholarship to spend an academic year at the University of Iceland, a public research university in Reykjavik, and the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education. It is a progressive educational and scientific institution, renowned in the global scientific community for its research. The University of Iceland also holds a leading role in sustainable energy and environmental research.

The exchange between the University of Iceland and the University of Minnesota was established in 1982, and is generously supported in part by the Val Björnson Icelandic Exchange Scholarship, funded by individual donors and Icelandic heritage groups in North America and alumni of the program.

The Iceland Past Participant Final Report is an excellent resource for learning more about this scholarship exchange.

Read more about being an exchange student at the University of Iceland.

Program Model

Exchange

University Study

Housing & Meals

Housing is usually arranged in a university dormitory, typically in single en suite rooms with a shared kitchen. Homestays and apartments can also be arranged independently.

Scholarship support from the Val Björnson Icelandic Exchange Scholarship helps cover some of the cost of housing. Whether you decide to live in a dormitory, a homestay, or an apartment, you'll receive a housing stipend to assist with housing costs. The monthly stipend will be ISK130,000 (approximately $900) per month (or ISK65,000 per month each if 2 students are selected for the Exchange).

Excursions

The University of Iceland is located in the capital city of Reykjavik and provides access to all the city has to offer. Past Scholarship Exchange students have traveled throughout Iceland and Europe during their year abroad.

Accessibility

If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.

Learning Outcomes

Develop a stronger sense of confidence by engaging in a highly independent study abroad program and foster second language acquisition whenever possible
Learn to appreciate diverse worldviews, accept complexity, and embrace ambiguity; added benefit of reciprocity to foster mutual respect and understanding
Experience a new culturally specific academic system and incorporate different academic perspectives
Identify and communicate how your experience abroad has impacted you personally, academically, and professionally

Faculty & Staff

Instruction is in English and Icelandic by Icelandic faculty at the University of Iceland.

Program Structure

Program Level

Various levels

Courseload

You must register for a minimum of 30 ECTS credits (equivalent to 15 UofM credits) per semester.

Coursework

Grade & Credit Conversion Scale (PDF)

You receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades factor into your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript with an A/F grade. Consult the Learning Abroad Center's Academic Policies page for more information.

A wide variety of courses are available in social sciences, humanities, law, health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and teacher education. The principal language of instruction at the University is Icelandic, however, most faculties offer some courses in English that are open for exchange students.

Visit the University of Iceland's website for full course listings.

Course selection must consist of 30 ECTS credits (15 UofM credits) per semester, where at least 60% of courses are within your major.

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Spring 2027
Academic Year 2026–27
Fall 2026

Orientation Dates & Locations

The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.

Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:

Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
LAC Program Orientation: Program-specific and important UofM registration information will be covered (academic registration, finances, arrival, housing etc.). Details will be sent to you via email.

The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:

Spring 2027

Application Open Date: March 1, 2026
Application Deadline: August 1, 2026

Schedule	Date
Program Start	Early January
Program End	Late May

Academic Year 2026–27

Application Open Date: August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

Schedule	Date
Program Start	Late August
Program End	Late May

Fall 2026

Application Open Date: August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

Schedule	Date
Program Start	Late August
Program End	Mid December

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

Spring Semester 2027
Academic Yr Fall 2026/Spring 2027
Fall Semester 2026
Spring Semester 2026

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Spring Semester 2027

Exchange in Iceland: U of Iceland, Reykjavík

Program Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$2,320
International health insurance	$360
Housing and/or meals Housing is paid directly to onsite managing organization	$0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$3,080
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$3,080

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$1,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents Residence Permit ($565), You may be required to buy Icelandic National Health Insurance (prices vary)	$565
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$1,740
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$350
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee 5000 housing, 3000 meals. Part of these housing/meal costs covered by monthly stipend (87,500 or 175,000 ISK)	$8,000
Essential daily living expenses	$2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$10,350

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$15,170
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$3,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Academic Yr Fall 2026/Spring 2027

Exchange in Iceland: U of Iceland, Reykjavík

Program Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$3,599
International health insurance	$801
Housing and/or meals Housing is paid directly to onsite managing organization	$0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$4,800
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$4,800

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$1,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents Residence Permit ($565), You may be required to buy Icelandic National Health Insurance (prices vary)	$565
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$1,740
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$700
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee 5000 housing/semester, 3000 meals/semester. Part of these housing/meal costs covered by monthly stipend (87,500 or 175,000 ISK)	$16,000
Essential daily living expenses	$4,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$20,700

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$27,240
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$6,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall Semester 2026

Exchange in Iceland: U of Iceland, Reykjavík

Program Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$2,324
International health insurance	$336
Housing and/or meals Housing is paid directly to onsite managing organization	$0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$3,060
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$3,060

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$1,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents Residence Permit ($565), You may be required to buy Icelandic National Health Insurance (prices vary)	$565
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$1,740
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$350
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee 5000 housing, 3000 meals. Part of these housing/meal costs covered by monthly stipend (87,500 or 175,000 ISK)	$8,000
Essential daily living expenses	$2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$10,350

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$15,150
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$3,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Spring Semester 2026

Exchange in Iceland: U of Iceland, Reykjavík

Program Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$2,270
International health insurance	$320
Housing and/or meals	$0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$2,990
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$2,990

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$1,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents Residence Permit ($150), You may be required to buy Icelandic National Health Insurance (prices vary)	$150
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$1,325
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$350
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee 3200 housing, 2000 meals. Part of housing/meals covered by monthly stipend (65,000 or130,000 ISK)	$5,200
Essential daily living expenses	$2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$7,550

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$11,865
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$3,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

Apply

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items for you to submit to the Learning Abroad Center:

Exchange in Iceland personal essay
Letter of Recommendation
Complete an Exchange Program Advising Meeting

Once the application deadline has passed, the Exchange Program Team will review applications and select the students to be nominated to the University of Iceland.If you are selected for nomination, you will then have to apply to the University of Iceland directly through their online system (instructions will be provided). The University of Iceland will review the application and send out an admissions decision via email.

Next Steps

Upon submitting the online application, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application was received.
Follow the instructions on your application checklist to submit all of the items. Your application is not considered complete until all items on your application checklist are either received or waived.
You will have applications with both the Learning Abroad Center and the University of Iceland—make sure to follow instructions for both applications when they're sent to you.
You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist. Log in to the online application to review the confirmation checklist and submit the required items.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Christina Dunbar at [email protected], or call at 612.624.3949.